Hou Yuxiao had neither a king's domineering aura nor the heart of a martial artist unafraid of power; when he was weak, it was normal to be looked down upon and despised.
Last year, during the Zhaoyang Disturbance, although he played a certain role, his impact was limited. Throughout the ordeal, he essentially played the part of an extra, anxiously waiting for those Sacred Land Successors to determine the victor.
Because their victory or defeat was linked to his own destiny.
Fortunately, he bet correctly; Sikong Yue emerged victorious, bringing about a tremendous change for both the fate of the Hou Clan and himself.
In this process, he had been looked down upon and despised by many, including Sikong Yue, Tian Fa Zheng, Tuoba Huang, and even Tian Linong, Tong Hu, and Helian Wuji—who among them hadn't belittled or despised him?
But just as Hou Yuxiao thought, without strength, it was normal to be looked down upon and despised. Thus, although he had some pride, he didn't take it too seriously, knowing that one day, with increased strength, all this contempt and disdain would vanish.
However, it was Gu Chenfeng alone whose irritating laughter had deliberately stirred up those unbearable memories in their hearts, memories which Hou Yuxiao had not forgotten to this day.
Being looked down upon and despised was something Hou Yuxiao could overlook because it didn't bring about any substantial harm and sometimes even had certain benefits.
But humiliation was another matter entirely.
Moreover, Gu Chenfeng had hit right at the sore point of the Hou Clan, humiliating them.
At the time, without the strength to fight back, even though flames of rage surged in his heart, he didn't dare to show even a hint of anger, only able to clench his fists until they bled within his sleeves.
"I can't find Zhao Ponu yet, so it's good to collect some interest from this mongrel first!"
Watching the fleeing Gu Chenfeng, Hou Yuxiao gradually calmed himself and murmured in a chilling tone, suddenly quickening his pace.
Half a year had passed; Gu Chenfeng was still at the Grandmaster Realm of cultivation, wielding the Qingyu Peak sword. Hou Yuxiao pulled out the Ape Demon Staff from behind his back and held it in his hand, feeling the distance between them closing. His mind and spirit slightly focused, a solemn look crossed his eyes.
Regardless of his impression of Gu Chenfeng, he had to admit that the latter's strength was undeniable, a sensation that became even more intense after he himself had made a breakthrough to the Grandmaster Realm.
A Sacred Land Successor, one of the Nine Great Swordsmen of the Wanjian Holy Sect, Sword Heart Sacred Pupil Gu Chenfeng—despite the murderous intent flooding his heart, Hou Yuxiao did not forget to remain cautious.
Such a person, if he were to be careless, could capsize in the gutter at any moment!
"What does he want to do to Zhao Qingxue, could it be that lust has clouded his mind?"
Gu Chenfeng's escape wasn't because he was afraid of himself; hiding in Zhao Qingxue's room was clearly with ill intent. Having been caught by Hou Yuxiao, whether out of guilt or unwillingness to be discovered by others, he chose to flee.
This was clear in Hou Yuxiao's mind.
Both being equal in cultivation, yet with Gu Chenfeng carrying someone with him, after about a dozen li, Hou Yuxiao finally caught up with him outside Zhaoyang West City.
Gu Chenfeng seemed to understand that it was hopeless to try to escape from Hou Yuxiao while carrying Zhao Qingxue, so he threw her aside and turned to face the masked Hou Yuxiao, his face full of annoyance.
"Fang Jinghong, I do not believe we have ever had a feud. You interfered with my affairs first today. If you leave now, I will act as if nothing has happened!"
Hearing Gu Chenfeng's attempt to threaten him, Hou Yuxiao chuckled softly, not taking him seriously, and in a lowered voice, said, "I indeed have no grievance with Mister Gu, Chen Yuhe and the others declared their intent against my Qinglong Association, thus Mister Fang came especially to Zhaoyang to deal with them, not deliberately aiming to spoil Mister Gu's plans!"
Hearing the softened tone of Hou Yuxiao, Gu Chenfeng thought he was going to yield, a flicker of joy appearing in his eyes,
"Mister Gu, do not misunderstand me, I simply find you displeasing, a mere waste, and want to see exactly how much you weigh."
But as Hou Yuxiao's next sentence came out, the expression on Gu Chenfeng's face instantly froze, then turned into a towering rage.